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Old 03-12-2022, 08:49 AM   #1
TazMcren
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Shore Power Outlet Box

Question for the electrical gurus. I want to connect my 2018 Cougar 310RLS (50 AMP) to shore power when my trailer is parked at home.

Last year I got rid of my hot tub that was connected to a 40A MP GFI circuit breaker using #8 gauge wire.

My question is can I use the same #8 gauge wire and 40 AMP GFI circuit breaker and connect it to a 50 AMP power outlet box?
Or:
a) Will I have tripping Issues because of the 40 AMP GFI circuit breaker?
b) Is it possible to connect a 40 AMP circuit breaker to a 50 AMP power outlet box?

I know I will not have 50 AMP service but only need power to check the A/C, run the fridge prior to each trip and run a few lights.

Thanks in advance.

Taz
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Old 03-12-2022, 09:03 AM   #2
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First I am not an electrician. So this is what I know from having a 50 amp circuit installed at home for my camper. 1. There is a difference in how the plug is wired for a camper and a hot tub. 2. If you want to wire for 50 amps you need a 50 amp breaker. 3. I was told when mine was done that #6 wire was needed for 50 amp. I’m sure others will chime in that know more but that is what I was told and how mine was done.
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Old 03-18-2022, 07:38 AM   #3
TazMcren
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Apologize for delay replying, my internet has been down. Thanks for reply. I'm having an electrician come in and wire up a 50 amp breaker and power outlet box. Cheers
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Old 03-18-2022, 08:03 AM   #4
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The main difference is 240v vs 120v. You can get by with a 40 amp breaker for what you said you want to do as long as you don’t try to power everything at once. If you go to an RV park that only has 30 amp power you can dog bone down to a 30 amp plug, you just can’t run everything like you can on 50 amp.
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Old 03-18-2022, 08:29 AM   #5
flybouy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bsmith0404 View Post
The main difference is 240v vs 120v. You can get by with a 40 amp breaker for what you said you want to do as long as you don’t try to power everything at once. If you go to an RV park that only has 30 amp power you can dog bone down to a 30 amp plug, you just can run everything like you can on 50 amp. Just make sure the electrician knows what he’s doing and actually wires the plug for 120v. When I had mine done, I printed the wiring diagram and gave it to the electrician (most are used to wiring for a stove or dryer and it’s habit to connect for 240v), then I checked the connection with a meter before I plugged in.
What your stating is true for a 30 amp 120 v RV plug vs a 30 amp 240v dryer (appliance) plug but is not correct for a 50 amp plug. A 50 amp plug has 4 wires, L1, L2, N & ground. By default, L1 and L2 are 120v ac EACH. The only way to get 240v ac is dependent on how the appliance is wired AFTER the disconnect.
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Old 03-18-2022, 08:42 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flybouy View Post
What your stating is true for a 30 amp 120 v RV plug vs a 30 amp 240v dryer (appliance) plug but is not correct for a 50 amp plug. A 50 amp plug has 4 wires, L1, L2, N & ground. By default, L1 and L2 are 120v ac EACH. The only way to get 240v ac is dependent on how the appliance is wired AFTER the disconnect.
Good catch. Guess I need another cup of coffee. Updated my post. Also fixed other typos
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Old 03-18-2022, 08:48 AM   #7
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You made the right decision to hire an electrician. You can run your 50 amp camper from a 30 amp outlet, but you are limited to only 30 amp usage for the entire trailer. Power management is essential when plugged into 30 amp.

I installed 2 different 30 amp RV outlets for my previous camper. Yes, 2 location at the house. Then later, I had one swapped out for a 50 amp outlet. I also hired an electrician and I purchased the RV electric box separate from them.

I ended up getting a 20 - 30 - 50 amp box, so I can still plug in a 30 amp trailer at that spot again, if I ever want to or need to. The entire thing is then wired into an 80 amp breaker in the main box. And #6 wire was used.

The electrician supplied the wire and did the install. It cost me about $250 for their labor and wire, and it cost me about $100 for the RV box.

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Old 03-22-2022, 10:29 AM   #8
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I use 10 gauge wire on a 30A breaker to shore power our "50A" race trailer. The max draw is 30A per leg, not 50A. The actual max draw would be around 15A if I turned on the AC unit. Mostly the only power draw when docked is the 120V dorm fridge and the inverter/battery charger. The plug on the far end is a 14-50R socket that matches the shore cord for the trailer. It's in a weather resistant box mounted on the side of the shop. Nothing fancy.
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